The 25-year-old, who works in marketing, has had four jobs in the past two and a half years. She has moved from Adelaide to Perth to the Gold Coast to Sydney to Melbourne.

She left one job because the contract ended. Another because she hated the company's culture. She left the last one because she was offered a new role that was too good to turn down.

But is Ms Paine necessarily a disloyal employee? And will her job hopping come back to bite her?

She doesn't think so.

"It has come up in interviews but I've turned it around because it's actually been a good benefit. I have a really good understanding of the market and I know so many people in the industry in different states," Ms Paine said. "Because of the industry I can get away with it."

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Comments on this story

loyalty means nothing! I had a friend who was made redundant after more than 20 years and did not even get a thank you! at the end of the day let alone a bonus or reward! workers need to look after themselves as no one else will! you are just a number after all and the rest is just small talk...

Comment 1 of 85

John Doe of Soon to be elsewhere Posted at 4:03 PM July 04, 2013

I don't want to change jobs but its obvious that no one is leaving or dying so if I want a promotion I am leaving. Show me some love and I will stay. Being sorry I am leaving just doesn't say 'we value you and appreciate your efforts'

Comment 2 of 85

Eliza Posted at 4:04 PM July 04, 2013

I am 25 years old and 3 years off long service ;)

Comment 3 of 85

Got Hops Posted at 4:05 PM July 04, 2013

Companies don't think twice about making good staff members redundant when market conditions dictate, so likewise employees shouldn't think twice about leaving for something better. No issue job hopping if you are being headhunted. The days of employer-employee loyalty and long-term job security are over.

Comment 4 of 85

Sivan Posted at 4:06 PM July 04, 2013

When I was in mid 20's (first time I started to work) I switch job once in 12 or 13 months. Then when I near to 30's I stayed in a company for nearly 3 years because job was interesting and I learned a lot but pay was less. Moved to Australia once against stayed in the first company for 3 years , then move to different organization for less salary but stayed their for six years because exposure was huge and they respected my skill. Now last 2 years I am staying in an organization because of good money now I am nearing to 40's now money and job security than exposure , job satisfaction is less , but money making me happy now. Next move after this financially crises end i.e after four years.

Comment 5 of 85

Jay of Brisbane Posted at 4:06 PM July 04, 2013

Companies purposely hire Gen Y for that very reason - because they don't stay too long. Makes for a fresh staff and lower costs. I know this because I am frequently pipped at interviews by folk younger than myself (I work in PR and have ten years experience). The employer will typically have a lame excuse like "Oh, there was one tiny little skill you didn't have that isn't absolutely essential and we didn't advertise or raise it at the meeting, but that's why they got the position." LOL

Comment 6 of 85

Sarah Posted at 4:06 PM July 04, 2013

I'm 25 and have only ever had 2 jobs, to be fair I entered the job market late at 21 due to health reasons and my second job was just a continuation with a different part of the company once the first one ended. I think it's a bit of overkill for her to be in that many roles. I work in an employment agency and if I saw her resume I would probably flick her off the list

Comment 7 of 85

Saffie1985 of Brisbane Posted at 4:07 PM July 04, 2013

I have experienced a similar career pathway as mentioned above. I work in the marketing and communications field as well and I've had five jobs in the last 4 or 5 years with my longest stint being 2 years. I am a loyal employee but left with the right intentions; worked in hospitality - remuneration just did not cut other sectors, professional services - promotional opportunity was not there with a large team, mining and engineering; culture was off; coal mining left due to mass redundancies (jumped off a sinking ship) and finally I am fairly content where I am in manufacturing but always a bit scary - employers expect loyalty but they do not show it - especially with marketing or roles which do not generate revenue.

Comment 8 of 85

aussie bob of brisbane Posted at 4:10 PM July 04, 2013

looking forward to long service in just over 12 months, is it worth it? hell yes!! I'll combine my 4 weeks annual leave and take 3 months off on full pay... woot woot!!

Comment 9 of 85

Real Mike of Sydney Posted at 4:11 PM July 04, 2013

I would be considered Gen Y and I have moved around a fair bit in my career. On average I have spent two years in each role, however my reason for leaving each time has always been due to moving country or state. It hasn't hurt thus far but I am wary of it.

Comment 10 of 85

Roving Jill of Melbourne Posted at 4:14 PM July 04, 2013

In my first job I stayed for seven years but was unhappy the last five of them. Since then, I get itchy feet after two years. I don't like to stagnate. I like to experience new environments and work with different people. I know it's I, I, I, but that's life. It can go wrong the other way, staying too long in a place.

Comment 11 of 85

Paul of Sydney Posted at 4:17 PM July 04, 2013

As an employer I will not hire someone who has not shown at least some stability in their employment. And that means 2 years with at least one previous company unless there is a fantastic reason why I should employ you otherwise. People with no history of stability generally don't get an interview. Depending on the role, jobs in my organisation take anywhere from 9 to 18 months to be "fully effective". The cost of training staff to this level means that I cannot afford job hoppers. I understand that not everyone is going to stay around and sometimes there are really good reasons why people move on - But given the choice between someone who has demonstrated loyalty and someone who has not, the choice is always easy.

Comment 12 of 85

karen of Australia Posted at 4:19 PM July 04, 2013

no such thing as loyalty in the workplace.. . they are easy to cut your position, think of you as a number not a face and make your position redundant.

Comment 13 of 85

Peter of Perth Posted at 4:28 PM July 04, 2013

How about we throw the question back to the employer and ask why don't they the employer want an employee over the 2 year mark.......failure to engage the employee is one answer I can come up with..

Comment 14 of 85

Markus Posted at 4:31 PM July 04, 2013

Job hopping is the trend for one simple reason in my opinion. Employers don't offer promotions as often, and when they do it goes to friends rather than the competent. I've seen it so often now, and job hopping has become the new method of career advancement. And believe me, it works.

Comment 15 of 85

D. Posted at 4:34 PM July 04, 2013

If employers actually were interested in providing a environment for a career path, instead of the same thing until forever, then the workers may actually stay with them. Employees do actually want to learn something and the ungrateful employers will suffer.

Comment 16 of 85

Sue of Melbourne Posted at 4:39 PM July 04, 2013

I am 38 years old and have been made redundant twice (once on maternity leave when they moved the whole department interstate). My last 2 jobs before my current one, I worked there for 2 years each, one of them I was made redundant, then the company closed, the second I was not happy. My new employer pays less money but I am happier, and the culture there is more suited for mothers as the hours can be flexible if required.
I think when you are in your late 30's and have children you have to choose your work environment carefully and if the job doesn't make you happy, change jobs.
My current employer did question my last two 2 year positions, but this is where you just have to be up front and honest and explain why you changed jobs, employers like honesty.

Comment 17 of 85

James of Brisbane Posted at 4:40 PM July 04, 2013

I'm one of those that has moved around a bit, but anyone looking at my CV can see its always been onwards and upwards. Your CV tells a story and shows your ambition (or lack of). To be honest, I don't necessarily rank someone whose been in the same job for 8 years. What does that say? either too comfortable (not challenging yourself) or too lazy to expand. I've seen both. Working in a high performance environment (eg. accounting) means you need staff who are ambitious and smart, and who are going places. Sure you have to manage them, but you can expect a lot out of them as well...stuff you wouldn't expect out of someone who has no ambition...happy to do the same thing day in and day out. They will almost never make the top of the pile. You do need some stability - two years for me is good, three years max before I move on. Only then can you challenge yourself.

Comment 18 of 85

Big Benny of Canberra Posted at 4:40 PM July 04, 2013

Take a leaf our of Dennis Wrights guide to living , if you are unhappy at a place of work simple just leave and find something you love doing , life is too short to worry about if you are catergorised as a 'hopper "

Comment 19 of 85

Dale of Melbourne Posted at 4:44 PM July 04, 2013

It depends, and as the article says, as long as you have a solid story as to why. I have moved around every 3 years or so for the last 15 years, but only for the personal growth opportunities. It really depends on what you want to achieve in your career. I would consider highlighting achievements or positive changes you made during the time you were with each employer, and can be amplified if you have only been there a short time. Some employers crave the ambition in people and the drive, where as others would prefer the stability. With the corp environment moving to contractors, consultants and alike, movement is not necessarily a bad thing. When I employ staff in my call centre section, I would be happy to get 2-2.5 years from a good employee because of the nature of the work. On the other hand, if people stay in jobs these days for too long (say greater than 5 years), this also can ring alarm bells of a plodder and lacking in achievement orientation and overly aligned to a specific organisations way. Again, it all depends on the industry, the persons career objectives, the companies in question and the actual role the people are contemplating.

Comment 20 of 85

Greg Abbott of Canberra Posted at 4:47 PM July 04, 2013

loyalty? you've got to be stupid to be loyal - the majority of industries are sinking and when it comes to money no employer is going to be particularly loyal. Australia is heading into recession and to seriously think youre employer is going to be loyal?? Get real Paul of Sydney...

Comment 21 of 85

DG of Sydney Posted at 4:48 PM July 04, 2013

No such thing as loyalty! Was made redundant after 5 years in one company, again made redundant after 7 years in another company.. Question where is the loyalty in that. When employers dont need you any more your just a NUMBER!

Comment 22 of 85

Never Again Posted at 4:48 PM July 04, 2013

Gone are the days where loyal workers were rewarded by their management. Now its a dog eat dog world and when it comes to the ship sinking, there is definitely no loyalty to the employees. I spent five years training new staff and mentoring them all for free then got sacked over an alleged stolen sandwich.

Comment 23 of 85

Hooray for job jumpers Posted at 4:50 PM July 04, 2013

If you're good enough to get a better job, good on you! I don't care if people change jobs for better opportunities. As an employer, I know that for the time being, I am the better opportunity. They're motivated to work for me!

Comment 24 of 85

Chris of Canberra Posted at 4:54 PM July 04, 2013

If I go through my history of employment I worked for 3 years in one job (age 14-17), Worked two jobs (3 years each concurrently), moved interstate and worked a job for 2 years, left because pay was horrendous and hours were huge. Worked at the next place in various different roles for 3.5 years. Moved back to my home town and worked at a multinational with a poisonous culture for 1 year, then have been in my current job for 1.5 years and chose to stay on instead of moving when my teams role was insourced to the government department we were supporting.
I have much more room to grow with my current employer, I trust and respect the team that I work with (more than ever before) and I am generally happy with my conditions (pay, overtime compensation, hours, office culture).

Comment 25 of 85

Rose of Adelaide Posted at 5:00 PM July 04, 2013

It's not cut and dried, sometimes leaving is the right thing to do, other times, not. Being 25 and about having worked somewhere for 7 years may be a positive, security, loyalty etc or it could mean that you are in a rut or comfort zone, lacking ambition or risk averse. So long as you can explain your lengths of service, long or short, and your explanations are positive, reasonable and believable you should be fine.

Comment 26 of 85

Adam of central coast Posted at 5:06 PM July 04, 2013

I can safely say loyalty in the workplace dose not exists, in my last job, i was praised one minute for doing a good job and the next minute being sacked as myself and the team leader wanted the same job, as we all know a contract worker has very little security, and with most employers now days hiring everyone as contract worker there goes loyalty.

Comment 27 of 85

Kicked in the guts again.. of S.A Posted at 5:08 PM July 04, 2013

my fellow work mate and i have had the same jobs now for over six years and consently having to reapply for the same job every three months.its a govement position they keep telling us in non ongoing and they cant make it periment.Now after major budget cuts they have doubled our work load and expect us to just take on the extra while not offering anything to in return except to find out our positoons are now being made perment and as non ongoing employees we will have to re apply again bu this time the positions will be advertised austraila wide ,,surely tis is against the law as we have been told that after a year in a goverment department and non ongoing position should be made perement if it continues,, could some please give me advise on the truth of this,,

Comment 28 of 85

Katie of Melbourne Posted at 5:09 PM July 04, 2013

I'm gen Y and looking for my third job now... My first position was cut after 4 months at the company due to financial difficulties, and while I am very good at my current job, my manager uses this excuse to understaff when I'm on shift, and put me on with other staff members who don't do their fair share.
In all, my hard work has meant that they just work me harder.
I have friends who would love full time, stable workplaces but try finding them! I have one friend who was hired on a 2 week contract and they keep extending it every 2 months. She has no idea whether she'll be in the job next month, or if she should start looking for something else. Another is in the same boat, they just extend her contract every 4 months with no guarentees the position will be there afterwards.
How can any company expect loyalty if they treat their staff like this?

Comment 29 of 85

Leigh of Melbourne Posted at 5:11 PM July 04, 2013

I'm 42 and I've seen the workplace change in the last 20 years. I was the typical gen X loyal employee. 15 years with one company. But the company got hungry, micro managers took over and the boss who you used to love and respect, buried his head and let the vultures take over. I met my sales targets and still gave 110%, but the culture changed. It changed to ugly. Everybodies sales results were put on the whiteboard for all to see, and it was just an unpleasant atmosphere for many people. So nobody has a love for their workplace anymore due to brain washed sales managers, micro managers and sales meetings which cause backstabbing and insecurity. So I joined the fire brigade and the teamwork and comradery is outstanding and I still give 110% to my employer despite budget cuts :)

Comment 30 of 85

Dennis of Blakeview Posted at 5:20 PM July 04, 2013

The concept of "loyalty" in the workplace is archaic. I celebrate people moving on according to their needs and interests. Of course, not all employers are able to satisfy all the needs of all the employees all of the time. Loyalty is how the employee works WHILE they are currently employed, regardless of how long or short they're there. Since the 1980's, employer have been so focussed on staffing levels that they constantly review and "rightsize" the organisation. It's business. It's commercial. It's how it is. Career? Archaic

Comment 31 of 85

Pinky Posted at 5:43 PM July 04, 2013

I have had 37 jobs and I am only 26. I have been in my last job for 4 years due to a contract and have found the last 3 years monotonous. I never found finding work an issue due to my vast experience in so many areas and willingness to actually do anything. It says something to an employer when your resume shows that you are willing to work at McDonalds after being a warehouse supervisor. Also through the years I have picked up so much life experience that I am now starting my own business and retiring at 27. So for those of you who want loyalty, expect to be working till 65.

Comment 32 of 85

Chris Smith of Melbourne Posted at 5:46 PM July 04, 2013

O am 31 and have been with my company for 6 years and want to remain here for life. I hate job hoping, okay had two jobs prior to this.

Comment 33 of 85

CA Posted at 5:48 PM July 04, 2013

In my youth people who changed jobs frequently were seen as unreliable and unstable - employing such people was a no no.
Loyalty and length of service was a big plus and your employer valued you for it.
Unfortunately like all things now this means nothing however I guess it cuts both ways .
Those very same employers who valued loyalty threw that out the window in the 90s and now wonder why people leave them at the first opportunity.
Loyalty works both ways and people have worked out that the majority of big Companies ,especially Banks, cannot be trusted so they look after themselves.

Comment 34 of 85

GG Puff n Stuff of Gold Coast Posted at 5:51 PM July 04, 2013

After 14 years working for a Paytv Company - It was bought out and all of out jobs have been sent to an indian contracting company - Loyalty means nothing - we were tossed aside like piece of garbage.

Comment 35 of 85

S Posted at 5:53 PM July 04, 2013

I think there is no place for workplace loyalty early in your life, as I'm finding out the hard way now. I'm 24 and have only had two jobs, I stayed with my first job for almost seven years and left when they couldn't offer me permanence or advancement.
Now that I'm trying to find a new job I am told I lack experience and variety, but the jobs are going to even younger job hoppers. I'm sure later in my career loyalty will count for something, just not now.

Comment 36 of 85

Sarah Posted at 5:56 PM July 04, 2013

Paul from Sydney, you sound like a goose. I certainly hope your company offers the same loyalty you clearly expect from your employees.
I, too, would be considered Gen Y and have longer stints of stable employment mixed with shorter stints in career expanding contract roles. It all depends on the type of job you want and the career you want in your life for any of this to be relevant. I work in the customer service industry, as well as arts, and customer service wants to lock you into long term employment whereas the arts wants you to mostly do short term contracts. Employers expect too much and have us by the proverbial balls.

Comment 37 of 85

michael of Perth Posted at 6:01 PM July 04, 2013

When you have no responsibility, mortgage or kids you can always move around. I doubt, once all these things come they will act the same. Once you have a reason to work - house, kids etc - that doesn't include "saving for Europe" you are more likely to stay in one job. From my experience anyway.

Comment 38 of 85

Nicole of Liverpool Posted at 6:08 PM July 04, 2013

Im 29 and I have had 10 jobs since I was 21... the difference is I moved up the "corporate" ladder in that 8 years and gained far more experience doing so than if I had have stayed with the first company. If there is no career growth and you are the type of person who likes and thrives on challenges I dont see an issue with moving around... provided the reason is career growth.
It also makes a huge difference if you are a contractor (contracts end), you fall pregnant (in my case this happened and i lost my job as a contractor) or the business is bought by another and you end up losing your job... there is always a reason to move on - employers shouldnt "assume"

Comment 39 of 85

Lisa Posted at 6:21 PM July 04, 2013

Loyalty needs to work both ways...not just employees but employers need to look at how they treat their staff. Companies portray themselves and a great work culture then when you start working there it is the complete opposite. This doesn't breed honesty and loyalty with employees

Comment 40 of 85

Lyle Upson. of Adelaide Posted at 6:21 PM July 04, 2013

all contractors move about, try being a contractor returning to a permanent role and the concerns over leaving will be raised, not because of the moving about, but because it is assumed contractors get paid more (which of course contractors have overhead and downtime etc) ... try being told the risk of being poached goes against ya

Comment 41 of 85

Moo Posted at 6:32 PM July 04, 2013

My first job I stayed in for 18 years. Since then I've moved around had a few shorter terms roles. My current job I've been in 6 years and am thinking of leaving as the company doesn't care about their staff. I try to be loyal and stay long term, but company's are making it harder to want to stay.

Comment 42 of 85

Up & Mobile Sam Posted at 6:36 PM July 04, 2013

If my employer shows me some loyalty, I will show them loyalty in return. I was made redundant from 2 jobs so why should my show my employer loyalty when I and other employees are expendable. As post 13 (Karen of Australia) posted 'no such thing as loyalty in the workplace'.

Comment 43 of 85

s of Australia Posted at 6:48 PM July 04, 2013

I've only spent 6 months in most of my jobs due to them being contract roles. As a temp/contractor you have no say if your position isn't continued, the project ends, there is redundancy whatever. I wonder if employees think I am frivolous, how would I explain it?

Comment 44 of 85

Tim Posted at 6:54 PM July 04, 2013

just because someone is loyal in one job doesnt mean they will be loyal in another

Comment 45 of 85

Bigfella of Melbourne Posted at 6:56 PM July 04, 2013

As a senior manager I would not bother interviewing her based on resume movement alone. It does go against people, no one wants to recruit, train and induct someone into a company to only lose them 6 months later.

Comment 46 of 85

Bill of Queensland of Brisbane Posted at 6:57 PM July 04, 2013

There is no such thing as loyaty between employers and employees! Employees are managed by human resources managers in much the same way assets and finances. Companies rely on systems rather than people. In the past long term employees possessed in their memories much of the knowledge now in computer systems. Experience in the company is therefore often not valued as highly as NEW experience gained in other companies. Many of the entry level jobs have become redundant with the introduction of computers which have flattened the administration and management hierarchies. Career paths progressing from assistant clerk to clerk to assistant officer to officer to supervisor to assistant manager to manager no longer exist. Advice to this generation. Manage your own career path! Invest in your qualifications and complement these with a broad range of experience. Ten yearsâ experience is preferable to ten times one yearsâ experience. Ms Paine is on the right track. Take control and manage your own career!

Comment 47 of 85

Pete of Sydney Posted at 6:58 PM July 04, 2013

Hop. And hop often. Whether it is private and especially in Government, nobody give @#$% about you. At the end of the day, you are just a number.

Comment 48 of 85

Adrian of Brisbane Posted at 7:04 PM July 04, 2013

Agree 100% with Paul of Sydney.

Comment 49 of 85

No such thing Posted at 7:04 PM July 04, 2013

Loyalty only works in one direction. If it's a case of Them or You, it won't be You that they will look after.

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